Perinatal Mental
Health Training
DR. EMMA SVANBERG
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Course Modules
MODULE 01
Transition to Parenthood
This module explores the psychological shift into parenthood, examining the gap between expectations and reality, the pressures placed on new parents, and key theoretical frameworks that support understanding of this transition.
OPEN Module
MODULE 02
Perinatal Mental Health
This module defines perinatal mental health and explores the range of conditions that can arise during pregnancy and the postnatal period, including the importance of addressing stigma around seeking support.
OPEN Module
MODULE 03
The Importance of Birth (Trauma)
This module examines why birth experiences matter deeply to parents, explores why some women and birthing people develop birth trauma, and outlines the psychological treatments available to support recovery.
OPEN Module
MODULE 04
Perinatal Depression
This module covers antenatal and postnatal depression, the baby blues, and factors that contribute to depression in new parents, including the impact on parent-infant relationships and how depression presents in fathers and non-birthing parents.
OPEN Module
MODULE 05
Perinatal Anxiety
This module explores the symptoms of anxiety disorders in the perinatal period, including OCD, and examines evidence-based psychological treatments to support families experiencing anxiety during pregnancy and after birth.
OPEN Module
MODULE 06
Other Mental Health Problems
This module covers a range of mental health conditions that may arise in the perinatal period beyond depression and anxiety, including complex trauma, helping practitioners recognise presentations and respond appropriately.
OPEN Module
MODULE 07
Partners Becoming Parents
This module examines how the couple relationship changes in the perinatal period, drawing on the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation model and exploring the impact of couple conflict on children and practical ways practitioners can help.
OPEN Module
MODULE 08
Impact on the Relationship with the Baby
This module explores how perinatal mental health affects bonding and the parent-infant relationship, drawing on Attachment Theory to understand how mental health difficulties influence early connections and what practitioners can do to help.
OPEN Module
MODULE 09
Looking After Ourselves
This module focuses on practitioner self-care, providing tools and strategies for those supporting families in the perinatal period to maintain their own resilience and wellbeing in their professional role.